Controlled ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters: polymer blocks in self-assembled nanostructures

The state of the art with respect to the application of poly(ester)s, obtained by living/controlled ring-opening polymerisation as components of block copolymers, in self assembly is discussed in this feature article. Poly(ester) synthesis is outlined by metal and metal free catalysts (including both small molecule organic catalysts and enzymatic catalysts) and the properties of the polymers, including access to poly(lactic acid) stereocomplexes are detailed. Methods for the combination of ring-opening polymerisation with controlled radical polymerisation are reviewed to provide an overview of the many methodologies applied in the synthesis of poly(ester) containing functional block copolymers. Their self-assembly in both solution and the solid phase are discussed, with particular attention focused on the properties and characteristics of the nanostructured materials resulting from the inclusion of poly(ester) components.